Selecting the right sealant is crucial for creating a watertight seal between a toilet and the floor. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which product will work best. This article will compare the most popular toilet sealants and help you choose the right one for your bathroom remodel or repair.
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What Does a Toilet Sealant Do?
A toilet sealant fills the small gap between the toilet base and the floor, creating a waterproof barrier. This prevents leaks that can damage floors and lead to unsanitary conditions. When installing a new toilet or resetting an existing one, you must apply a fresh ring of sealant to create a tight seal.
Here are some key benefits of using a high-quality toilet sealant:
- Prevents water, gases, odors, and insects from leakage through the toilet base
- Creates a sanitary, easy-to-clean connection
- Compensates for slight imperfections or unevenness in the flooring
- Allows for easy toilet removal and resetting when needed
- Durable formulas withstand constant use without drying out or cracking
Choosing the proper sealant prevents leaks, damage, and unpleasant bathroom odors. It also makes future toilet repairs much simpler.
Types of Toilet Sealants
There are three main types of toilet sealants to consider:
1. Silicone Sealant
Silicone is one of the most popular and effective toilet sealants. It remains flexible and waterproof for many years. Key features include:
- 100% waterproof and mold/mildew resistant
- Strong adhesion to porcelain and floor surfaces
- Flexibility allows for slight toilet or floor movement
- Withstands frequent use without drying out or becoming brittle
- Available in clear and white varieties
Most high-quality bathroom silicone sealants will be formulated for long-lasting seals around sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. Make sure the product states it is safe for toilet applications.
2. Rubber Sealant
Rubber-based toilet sealants provide similar benefits to silicone:
- Waterproof seal
- Long lifespan
- Stays pliable instead of hardening over time
Rubber sealants are also very sticky and adhere well to porcelain surfaces. Some may have a wider temperature tolerance than silicone if the toilet flange will be exposed to extreme cold or heat.
3. Wax Ring Sealants
Wax ring toilet seals are the oldest and most common type. They provide a decent seal, but may not be as durable or flexible as modern silicone and rubber seals. Benefits include:
- Very inexpensive
- Simple application
- Compresses to fill gaps
- Minimal odor or volatile chemicals
If correctly installed, wax rings can provide an effective toilet seal for many years before needing replacement. However, wax tends to dry out and crack over time. It also lacks flexibility to compensate for shifting floors. Wax rings often fail sooner than other sealant types.
Choosing the Best Toilet Sealant
When selecting your toilet sealant, here are some important considerations:
Usage Conditions
Will the toilet base be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures that could degrade cheaper seals? Is it a high-use bathroom that needs maximum durability?
Toilet Type
The sealant must be compatible with the specific toilet and flooring materials. Most work with all common porcelain toilets and floor surfaces.
Ease of Application
Liquid sealants may be easier to work with and create a tighter seal than wax rings.
Odor and Chemical Concerns
Minimal odor and VOC content is preferred in small, enclosed bathrooms.
Appearance
Transparent or white sealants blend in best if the flange area is visible.
Price
Basic wax rings are cheapest, while high-performance silicone and rubber seals cost more but last longer.
Top Toilet Sealant Picks
Based on the above criteria, these products represent some of the best toilet sealants in their categories:
| Sealant | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Silicone Sealant | Silicone | Strong adhesion; mold resistant; 10-year warranty |
| Henkel Polyseamseal Tub & Tile | Silicone | Watertight; prevents leaks; clear finish |
| Sanitary-Dash Wax Toilet Seal | Wax Ring | Affordable price; simple installation |
| Oatey Fix-It Stix Wax Ring | Wax Ring | Extra-thick wax; strong adhesion |
| Danco Perfect Seal | Rubber | Includes rubber gasket; bolts included |
Let’s take a closer look at some of these top-rated toilet sealants.
Gorilla Silicone Sealant
Gorilla is a leading brand when it comes to high-performance silicone sealants. Their bathroom and plumbing silicones provide a flexible, watertight seal that prevents leaks, mold growth, and odors.
This mold resistant formula is ideal for the humid environment under a toilet. Gorilla also offers a 10-year mold free warranty, proving the long-term durability of the sealant.
Easy to apply and tool, this transparent sealant includes an anti-microbial additive to prevent bacteria and mold. Once cured, the non-corrosive formula is safe for close contact to metal toilet bolts.
Henkel Polyseamseal Tub & Tile
Henkel Polyseamseal is a popular silicone sealant designed specifically for wet areas like tubs, showers, sinks, and also toilet flanges. The clear formulation is hardly visible for a nice finished look.
This sealant adheres strongly to porcelain and grout. It will remain flexible and waterproof for years of usage without cracking or pulling away. The low odor and VOC formula is safe for confined bathroom spaces.
Polyseamseal Tub & Tile quickly develops a watertight, leak-proof seal that prevents dripping and seepage underneath the toilet. No mixing or additives are required.
Sanitary-Dash Wax Toilet Seal
If you want an inexpensive and quick toilet seal option, Sanitary-Dash wax rings get the job done. The pliable wax ring squishes down to conform to slight uneven spots and create a tight seal.
While not as durable or flexible as silicone, this affordable wax ring is sufficient for most residential toilets that are not moved or removed often. The Sanitary-Dash wax ring fits all standard toilets.
This sealant is very easy to install for DIYers, with no need for caulking guns or specialty tools. It also lacks unpleasant odors that can linger with some cheaper wax products.
Conclusion
Your choice of toilet sealant depends on your specific needs and preferences. For maximum durability and leak protection, silicone and rubber toilet seals are worth the extra investment over basic wax rings.
Top-rated options like Gorilla Silicone Sealant and Henkel Polyseamseal form long-lasting, watertight seals that maintain flexibility for the life of your toilet. This prevents damage from hidden leaks or potential odor issues.
Affordable wax rings like Sanitary-Dash still work sufficiently well for most basic residential bathroom needs. Take time to clean off all old wax, bolts, and debris before applying your new toilet sealant.
Carefully following the manufacturer’s directions for application and cure times will ensure you achieve the best seal possible. A high-quality toilet sealant helps guarantee a water-tight connection and well-functioning toilet for years before needing to reseal.